The Torah Portion of Bechukotai - Shabbat Chazak (finishing the book of Vayikra) and Shabbat Mevorchim for the month of Sivan
Please note: In Israel the Torah Portion of Bechukotai coincides with the 27th of Iyar 5778 (May 12, 2018). Outside of Israel, the Double Torah Portion of Behar - Bechutotai coincides with the 27th of Iyar 5778 (May 12, 2018). The reason that the Torah Portions for Israel and outside of Israel are not the same, is because Israel has 7 days of Passover but outside of Israel there are 8 days of Passover, the last day of which was a Shabbat this year. Therefore, Israel started to read the regular Torah Portion of the week while those outside of Israel were reading the Torah Portion for the 8th day of Passover. This week a double Torah Portion is read outside of Israel in order to "catch up" with Israel, so that next week the same Torah Portion will be read both in Israel and outside of Israel.
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
"If you will walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3)
Rashi explains that this means that you should be laboring in the Torah. The Eglei Tal writes in the introduction to his book that the main emphasis of the Mitzvah of learning Torah is to be rejoicing and happy and enjoying one's learning, and since he enjoys the words of Torah he becomes attached to the Torah. And in the book Ohev Yisrael it is written that everyone who learns with more labor and effort finds more enjoyment in his learning, and it is a Mitzvah in and of itself to be laboring and making an effort in the Torah and to increase his enjoyment all the time. And in this way he explains the verse "If you will walk in my statutes...then I will provide your rains in their time" (Vayikra 26:3-4): if you will be laboring in the Torah all the time to increase your enjoyment of learning the Torah, then the reward will be "Middah K'neged Middah" (a turn for a turn) and I will give your rains in their time, which is also an increase in enjoyment.
"If you will walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3)
The Ohr HaChaim explains that "If you walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3) uses the language of "walking", because one should fulfill the Mitzvah (of learning Torah) "when you are walking on the way" (Devorim 6:7)
"If you will walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3)
The masters of Mussar (ethical teachings) say that we need to take a lesson from a bicycle, because if a bicycle stands still it falls, and if it is working then it goes forward. And that is the explanation of "you will walk", that one needs all the time to work and to go forward in the Torah and in the service of Hashem.
"If you will walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3)
This is a hint that in any place where you go, you should go with the Mitzvot of the Torah, because in general when going on a journey it is difficult to be careful about fulfilling the Mitzvot, and that is why the verse says "If you will walk in my statutes" (Vayikra 26:3): even on the road it is also necessary to be careful about the Mitzvot.
"...and I have broken the bars of your yoke..." (Vayikra 26:13)
The Sages bring a parable about a king who became angry at his son and swore that he would throw a huge stone at him. After several days the king regretted it and was very sorry about his oath. One of his ministers suggested to him: behold, you didn't swear that you would throw the huge stone in its entirety all at once. It's possible to break the stone into small pieces and then to throw that at him and that way you will fulfill your oath and your son will survive. So too, if the Holy One Blessed Be He makes a decree, G-d forbid, and we do Teshuvah (i.e., we repent) then the Holy One Blessed Be He breaks up the decree into small pieces and there won't be damage Israel, and that is what is meant by "and I have broken the bars of your yoke" (Yayikra 26:13).
A Good Heart
From the holiday of Pesach until Lag Ba'omer there are 32 days, and that is the numerical value of the Hebrew word for "Heart" (Lev). And from Lag Ba'omer until the holiday of Shavuot there are 17 days, which is the numerical value of the Hebrew word for "good" (Tov). Together that is a "Good Heart" (Lev Tov). This is a hint that we need to strengthen ourselves with good character traits and good behavior, as a preparation for receiving the Torah.
Haftora:
"Blessed is the man that trusts in Hashem, then Hashem will be his security" (Yirmiyahu 17:7)
When a man trusts in Hashem, then even if he has difficulties Hashem will help him; therefore a man needs to make as much effort as he can and Hashem will help him, and that is why the verse finishes "then Hashem will be his security". R' Yosef Yuz'l Horovitz ztz"l explains that the very essence of the matter that one trusts in Hashem is in and of itself a blessing, even if his request to Hashem has not yet been accepted.
The Torah Portion of Bechukotai has 78 verses, 7 positive commandments and 5 negative commandments.
Haftora: "Hashem Uzi" (Yirmiyahu 16)
Pirkei Avot, Chapter 6.
This is Shabbat Mevorchim for the month of Sivan. Rosh Chodesh is on Yom Shlishi (Tuesday). The Molad is on Yom Gimel Lifnot Boker at the hour 5:21 with 6 Chalakim.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
The Torah Portion of Behar
Please note: In Israel the Torah Portion of Behar coincides with the 20th of Iyar 5778 (May 5, 2018). Outside of Israel, the Torah Portion of Emor coincides with the 20th of Iyar 5778 (May 5, 2018). The reason that the Torah Portions for Israel and outside of Israel are not the same, is because Israel has 7 days of Passover but outside of Israel there are 8 days of Passover, the last day of which was a Shabbat this year. Therefore, Israel started to read the regular Torah Portion of the week while those outside of Israel were reading the Torah Portion for the 8th day of Passover.
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
"A Shabbat for Hashem" (Vayikra 25:2)
The Holy One Blessed Be He commanded to fulfill the Mitzvah of Shmittah and Yovel, in order that everyone would know that the Holy One Blessed Be He is the owner of all the world, and therefore it is called "A Shabbat for Hashem" . (Vayikra 25:2)
"A Shabbat for Hashem" (Vayikra 25:2)
For all fields it is good for them to rest a certain period of time, and that is beneficial so that they will grow better afterwards, and therefore it is written "A Shabbat for Hashem" (Vayikra 25:2), because it is necessary to fulfill the Mitzvah of Shmittah and Yovel for the sake of Heaven and not for the sake of benefiting the field.
"The land shall observe a Shabbat for Hashem (Vayikra 25:2)
Shmittah is similar to Shabbat; by way of the Shabbat the entire week becomes blessed as is stated in the Zohar, and similarly the Sages state, that from the year of the Shmittah the other six years become blessed.
"Do not harass one another" (Vayikra 25:17)
The verse is speaking about verbal harassment. It is forbidden to cause suffering to one's fellow man, and forbidden to give him advice that is not beneficial to him but which is to the benefit of the person who is giving the advice.
"Do not harass one another" (Vayikra 25:17)
The Maharil Diskin did not want to eat the meat that was slaughtered by the Shochet (Kosher slaughterer) in his neighborhood, because the Shochet didn't have enough Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Heaven). But the Maharil did not want to disqualify him as a Shochet because he was an expert slaughterer, and he knew the Halachot (Laws) very well. The Maharil's students decided to search for a different type of work for the man, and they found a position by which he could earn a better living, and they suggested to the Shochet to take the position. The Shochet said to them that he wanted to seek advice from the Maharil. The students were happy because they thought that the Maharil would certainly tell the Shochet to switch to the other work, and now he (the Maharil) would be able to eat meat. The Maharil asked the Shochet: What is the reason that you want to abandon the work of Shechita (slaughtering)? Is it because you don't have the physical strength to continue, or because you think that in the new work you will be able to earn a better living? The Shochet answered him, that his reason was that in the new work he would be able to earn a better living. The Maharil told him that he should remain in the work of Shechita because the work in the new place of employment didn't have enough job stability. And so, the Shochet continued to work at Shechita. The students were puzzled and they asked their Rav the reason for this recommendation. He answered them, that it is written in the Torah Portion "Do not harass one another" (Vayikra 25:17) -- and Rashi explains: It is forbidden to give advice that isn't beneficial for the one seeking the advice. Therefore I need to advise him for his benefit, and not for my own benefit.
"Do not subjugate him through hard labor" (Vayikra 25:43)
It's forbidden for a person to request a favor from his friend when he knows that it will be a burden for him, because he thereby transgresses the prohibition of "Do not subjugate him through hard labor" (Vayikra 25:43) (from Rabeinu Yonah)
Sefirat HaOmer
Rebbe Akiva had 12,000 pairs of students from Gabbatha until Antipatris, and all of them died during one time period because they didn't behave respectfully one to another. And the world was desolate until Rebbe Akiva came to our Rabbis in the south and taught them, and they were: Rebbe Meir, Rebbe Yehuda, Rebbe Yosi, Rebbe Shimon, and Rebbe Elazar ben Shamua. And they were the ones who were responsible for the continuation of Torah learning at that time. It is taught that all of those who died, died between Pesach and Shavuot. (from Yavamot 62b)
The Torah Portion of Behar has 57 verses, 7 positive commandments and 17 negative commandments.
Haftora: "Yayomer Yirmiyahu (Yirmiyahu 32)
Pirkei Avot, Chapter 5.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
The Torah Portion of Emor
Please note: In Israel the Torah Portion of Emor coincides with the 13th of Iyar 5778 (April 28, 2018). Outside of Israel, the Torah Portion of Acharei - Kedoshim coincides with the 13th of Iyar 5778 (April 28, 2018). The reason that the Torah Portions for Israel and outside of Israel are not the same, is because Israel has 7 days of Passover but outside of Israel there are 8 days of Passover, the last day of which was a Shabbat this year. Therefore, Israel started to read the regular Torah Portion of the week while those outside of Israel were reading the Torah Portion for the 8th day of Passover.
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
"Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon". (Vayikra 21:1)
The Sages say that the Holy One Blessed Be He cautioned Israel about the holiness of the Kohanim. This is analogous to the son of a king whose eating is not similar to that of the resident of a village; for if the son of the king eats the food of the villager, he won't digest his food and it will damage him. Thus Hashem said to the Kohanim -- guard yourself from every impurity, for even a slight impurity can cause you damage.
"When the sun sets, he becomes purified, and afterwards he may eat of the holy things..." (Vayikra 22:7)
It is written in the Mishna of Berachot "From when do we read the Shema in the evening? From the time that the Kohanim enter to eat their Terumah." And it is necessary to understand what the connection is between the reading of the Shema and Terumah. And the explanation is that we see regarding Terumah, that after the setting of the sun it is permissible for the Kohen to eat the Terumah only after he has immersed himself in the Mikvah during the daytime. And we see from this, that the night is already a different day. If so, then the reading of the Shema which one reads in the morning to accept the yoke of Heavenly Kingship (i.e. of Hashem's Kingship over us) is effective only until the evening, and in the evening one needs a new acceptance of the yoke of Heavenly Kingship.
"These are the festivals of Hashem...declare them (Otam) in their season" (Vayikra 23:4)
There is a Hebrew word in this verse "Otam" (them), which the Sages interpret as "Atem" (you). That is to say, the interpretation is that YOU shall declare the festivals, even if you accidentally err, and even if you intentionally err in your declaration of the timing of the festivals. If when it is written "Otam" (them), we interpret it as "Atem" (you), all the moreso in the verse "You are children to Hashem" in which it is explicitly written "YOU". Then certainly "You are children to Hashem", even if you sin by accident or on purpose; in all circumstances, you are still children of Hashem.
"And you shall afflict your souls " (Vayikra 23:27)
After every fast we pray and request that the lessening of our blood and fat should be considered as if we were bringing a sacrificial offering, but that will be the case only if the blood and fat are pure. Therefore the Torah commands us to eat on Erev Yom Kippur so that the food we put into our bodies will be considered to be a Mitzvah, and that way we can say that our blood and fat which diminish on Yom Kippur are pure and come from the fulfillment of a Mitzvah, and then our sacrifice will be appropriate and acceptable.
Another reason why it is a Mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur
The "Sefat Emet" says another reason why it is a Mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur. Since it is a day in which we need to forgive our fellow man, the Torah commanded us to eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur, in order so that we will be relaxed and settled and will forgive our fellow man with a full heart, because when someone eats he has a happy heart.
The Torah writes that the Succot and Arba Minim (Four Kinds) should be majestic and beautiful.
HaRav Yakovson ztz"l would explain this by means of a parable. There was a boy whose mother needed to dress him in beautiful clothing so that he could participate in a Simcha (happy occasion). The boy came from the street, and his body and clothes were dirty. Then his mother went to dress him in his beautiful holiday clothes. People told her, that's not the right way. First give him a bath, and when his body is clean then dress him in the beautiful clothing. And similarly, this also applies to the people of Israel. During the month of Elul we purify ourselves, and also on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. And after that, we arrive at those things which have majesty and beauty -- a beautiful Succah, and the Arba Minim (Four Kinds) which are majestic.
Regarding two holidays it is written "on that very day" -- Shavuot and Yom Kippur
The reason is that because all of the holidays are connected to events which occurred in the past. Passover is connected to the Exodus from Egypt, and Succot is connected to the Clouds of Glory. But Shavuot, which is about the giving of the Torah, even though this also was an event which has already occurred in the past, nevertheless, on every single day it should be in your eyes as if it is something new -- as if the giving of the Torah occurred "on that very day". And with regards to Yom Kippur, the Holy One Blessed Be He forgives us (every year) "on that very day".
"...That I caused the Children of Israel to dwell in Succot..." (Vayikra 23:43)
The Tur asks why we don't build Succot in the month of Nissan, since the Succot are a remembrance of the Clouds of Glory, and the Clouds of Glory were there immediately upon our leaving from Mitzrayim (Egypt). The Gr"a explains that after the Sin of the Golden Calf, the Clouds of Glory disappeared, as it is written: "...and Moshe saw the nation, that it was uncovered..." (Shemot 22:25), that is, they had become revealed to everyone's eyes since the Clouds of Glory had disappeared. It was only afterwards that the Holy One Blessed Be He forgave Israel for the Sin of the Golden Calf, as it is written "I have forgiven according to your word" (Bamidbar 14:20), and that was on the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur). Immediately afterwards on the day after Yom Kippur, on the 11th of Tishrei, the Children of Israel were commanded about the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). During the course of two days they brought the donations for the Mishkan, that is on the 12th and the 13th of Tishrei. On the 14th of Tishrei all the wise-hearted took the donations for the Mishkan in their hands and immediately on the 15th of Tishrei they began to occupy themselves with building the Mishkan. It was then that the Clouds of Glory returned. Therefore we find that on the 15th of Tishrei, which is the time when the Clouds of Glory returned, we make a remembrance for that on the Holiday of Succot.
Sefirat Haomer
It is written in the Holy Books that "Sefirat Haomer" (which is the name of the time period during which we count the 49 days of the Omer) has a linguistic connection to the words "Sapphire" and "Zohar" (brightness), because these days shine with a great light so that we will be capable of preparing ourselves for receiving the Torah.
Lag Ba'omer:
One of the righteous people traveled one time to the gravesite of Rebbe Akiva, and it was very difficult for him to reach that place because it was a rocky road, and after he went a certain distance, he said that he didn't have the strength to continue, and he returned. He said to his students: I will already meet Rebbe Akiva in the Mishna and the Gemara. And so it was also said by a particular Rav to his students, that it is possible to meet Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai in the Mishna and the Gemara. May his merit protect us and all of Israel, Amen.
It is written in books: On Lag Ba'omer the soul of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai spreads out over the whole world, and someone who does not travel to his gravesite in Meron in order to pray, is able to pray in any place.
There are those who ask: Why is it that on the day that Moshe Rabbeinu died, there are those who fast, whereas on Lag Ba'omer, which is the day when Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai passed away, that has been established as a day of happiness? And the explanation is, that when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away 3,000 Halachot (details of the Jewish law) were forgotten, and on Lag Ba'omer, the opposite occurred, for on that day many of the secrets of the Torah were revealed. And it is also written in the book of the Zohar, that Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai wanted that we would be happy on this day.
Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai said that if he had been at Mount Sinai he would have requested that two mouths be given to man, one for Torah and one for other things, except that he was concerned that if we had two mouths, we would be liable to destroy both of them with Lashon Hara (evil talk). (From the Yerushalmi Gemara)
Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai says: Great is the honoring of father and mother, for Hashem made honoring them equivalent to honoring Himself.
"His Torah protects us; it enlightens our eyes; he serves as a good advocate for us, our master Bar Yochai" (from the traditional songs sung on the night of Lag Ba'omer)
The Torah Portion of Emor has 124 verses, 24 positive commandments, and 39 negative commandments. Haftora: "V'hakohanim Haleviyim" (Yechezkel 44)
Pirkei Avot, Chapter 4.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
The Torah Portion of Acharei - Kedoshim 5778
Please note: In Israel the Torah Portion of Acharei - Kedoshim coincides with the 6th of Iyar 5778 (April 21, 2018). Outside of Israel, the Torah Portion of Tazria - Metzora coincides with the 6th of Iyar 5778 (April 21, 2018). The reason that the Torah Portions for Israel and outside of Israel are not the same, is because Israel has 7 days of Passover but outside of Israel there are 8 days of Passover, the last day of which was a Shabbat this year. Therefore, Israel started to read the regular Torah Portion of the week while those outside of Israel were reading the Torah Portion for the 8th day of Passover.
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
THE TORAH PORTION OF ACHAREI
"With this shall Aharon come into the Sanctuary..." (Vayikra 16)
In Hebrew, the first word of this verse is "Bezot", which is composed of the Hebrew prefix "Be" (in English" "with") in front of the Hebrew word "Zot" (in English, "this"). The Sages say in the Gemara Avodah Zara (2b) that the word "Zot" is a reference to the Torah, as it is said ""V'zot HaTorah..." (in English: "And this is the Torah..."). Thus the intention of this verse when it states "With this shall Aharon come into the Sanctuary", is to tell us that with the Torah it is possible to go up on on the steps of the Sanctuary, i.e., to increase in our level of holiness.
"With this shall Aharon come into the Sanctuary..." (Vaykira 16:3)
In Hebrew, the first word of this verse is "Bezot", which has a Gematria (numerical value) of 408. This is equal to the sum of the Gematrias of the three Hebrew words "Tzom" (in English: "Fasting"), "Kol" (in English: "Voice"), and "Mamon" (in English: "Money"), each of which has a Gematria of 136. These three words are a reference, respectively, to "Teshuvah" (in English: "Repentance"), "Tefillah" (in English: "Prayer") and Tzedakah (in English: "Charity"). And that is why this verse begins with the word "Bezot", because with Repentance, Prayer, and Charity it is possible to nullify bad decrees. Also, David HaMelech said in Tehillim (27:3), "If a war comes upon me, in this (in Hebrew: "Bezot") I trust". With Repentance, Prayer, and Charity, it's possible to be victorious in the wars.
The First Service in the Inner Sanctuary on Yom Kippur
The first service within the inner sanctuary on Yom Kippur is the Ketoret (in English: "the incense offering") which atones for Lashon Hara (in English: "evil speech"). "There should come something which occurs secretly and atone for something which occurs secretly" , and the Chafetz Chaim says that if there wouldn't have been an atonement at the start of the service for Lashon Hara, all the service of the day would not have been effective.
"For on this day He will atone for you to purify, etc...." (Vayikra 16:30)
The verse begins with the a language of atonement and ends with a language of purification, since the sin which a person transgresses, G-d forbid, besides the essence of the sin itself, also defiles and blocks up the heart, and that is why it says that Yom Kippur atones as well as purifies.
"Before Hashem you will become purified" . (Vayikra 16:30)
The teachers of Mussar (ethics) say that before Yom Kippur we need to purify ourselves, and not wait until Yom Kippur.
THE TORAH PORTION OF KEDOSHIM
"...You shall be holy..." (Vayikra 19:2)
Rashi says this means that you should make a fence to separate yourselves from sexual immorality, and he also says that this passage was stated at "Hakhel" -- the assembly of the entire congregation. If you are present at "Hakhel", that is to say, in the midst of people, then your need to be very careful to guard your mouth and your eyes, and that is what Rashi meant by saying that you should make a fence to separate yourselves from sexual immorality.
"...You shall be holy..." (Vayikra 19:2)
Another explanation about the fact that "You shall be holy", was stated at "Hakhel" -- the assembly of the entire congregation. If you want to be holy, then you need to act as a unified assembly of the entire congregation -- so that every individual will love his fellow.
"Every man shall fear his mother and father..." (Vayikra 19:3)
Even if he is an adult man, who doesn't need the help of his father and mother, in any event he is obligated to honor them.
"Do not go as a talebearer" . (Vayikra 19:16)
With Lashon Hara (in English: "evil speech") one transgresses 17 negative commandments, 14 positive commandments, and 4 curses. The Sages say that Lashon Hara causes poverty. There is a hint to this in the word "Parnassah" (in English; "a livelihood"), which has the same letters as "Peh Ressen" (in English: "rein in the mouth"), since one who reins in his mouth from speaking Lashon Hara will have an abundant livelihood. The Sages say that the generation of Achav were idol worshipers and yet they went down to war and were victorious since they did not have among them speakers of Lashon Hara (i.e., slanderers). But the generation of Shaul would go down to war and not be victorious, even though there was no idol worship, because they had among them wicked people who spoke Lashon Hara.
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am Hashem." (Vayikra 19:18)
There is a story told about two friends, who loved and were faithful to one another. One time false charges were brought up against one of them, and the court system decreed a death penalty on him, and his faithful friend tried with all his strength to do everything in his power to save him from the death sentence, but it was to no avail. And then, at the time that the bitter day arrrived and he (the one sentenced to death) was already being led to the place of the gallows, and his friend saw how they were bringing him chained and with ropes around his neck, G-d forbid, he felt great pain and suffering, and was not able to see that his friend and close companion was being led that way to death. And he wasn't able to hold himself back, and in his agitation he ran to the place of the gallows shouting "Gevalt! Don't kill a man who is innocent of any crime, who didn't do anything! I am the one who did the crime and it wasn't him!" He did that from his great love because he couldn't bear to see the death of his friend and he requested that they would carry out the death sentence on him and not on his friend who was an upright person. And the executioners, who wanted to perform their role in carrying out the death sentence, were agitated and astonished, and they wondered, is such a thing possible that the guilty will be acquitted and the innocent will be found guilty? And then the one who had been sentenced to death himself, courageously raised his voice and declared that his friend had intentionally spoken a lie, in order to save me from your hands and he is prepared to die in my place. And also he (the one who had been sentenced to death), from the great love he felt for his friend, didn't agree that his friend would sacrifice his life for him. While they were still arguing between themselves about which one was telling the truth, a great ruckuss was made around them, until the matter came to the ears of the king. The king was very moved by seeing that a great love like this could exist between two close companions, and he immediately canceled the death sentence, and requested from them to please include him also as a partner in their friendship. Similarly, the Holy One Blessed Be He, when He sees that there is love and friendship between a man and his fellow man, as it were, He also wants to include Himself with them, and that it why it is written in the verse "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am Hashem" ; if you will love one each other, "I am Hashem" , I will be a partner in your love. (from Mayana Shel Torah)
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am Hashem" . (Vayikra 19:18)
The Holy One Blessed Be He says that in the way that you behave toward your fellowman, in that way I will behave toward you. (from Otzar HaChaim)
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am Hashem" . (Vayikra 19:18)
The Sefat Emet says that this Mitzvah is very difficult to fulfill, and therefore the verse ends with the words "I am Hashem" , that if you truly want to fulfill it, I (Hashem) will help you to do so.
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, this is a great general principle of the Torah." (from Rabbi Akiva)
To be concerned that your friend will make progress in the Torah (i.e. in his Torah learning and observance), that is a worthwhile way of loving your neighbor.
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am Hashem." (Vayikra 19:18)
In the Aruch HaShulchan Orach Chaim paragraph 215 sub-point 1, it is written that someone who hears that they are making a Mishebairach (i.e.,a blessing at the Torah reading for a sick person to recover from illness) for someone, it is proper to answer Amen and to fulfill by doing that the Mitzvah of loving your neighbor as yourself.
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself, this is a great general principle of the Torah." (from Rabbi Akiva)
It is written in the Gemarrah that one time a non-Jew came to Hillel HaZakein and said to him, Rabbi, convert me to Judaism on the condition that you will teach me all of the Torah on one foot. Hillel said to him, this is a general principle which you should carry in your hands, that which is hateful to you, don't do it to your friend and now go finish it. The explanation is, that which you hate if people do it to you, don't do to your friend, and the rest of the Mitzvot of the Torah you can learn from this general principle. Now, regarding the intellectually logical Mitzvot (i.e., commandments and prohibitions) such as stealing, robbery, extortion, returning a lost object, murder, and the like, it's understandable how they are included in this general principle. But regarding Mitzvot concerning the eating of pork, Sha'atnez (wearing garments of linen mixed with wool), Klai'im (planting crops of different varieties mixed together), and the like, it is not understandable how they are included in this general principle. The Mateh Yosef wrote that he heard from the Chatam Sofer ztzuk"l, a parable about a boy who was an orphan without a father or mother, who didn't have anything. A rich man met him and took him to his house, raised him and taught him and gave him everything that he lacked. When the boy grew up and it became known to him that this man, who wasn't his real father, had given him benefits just as if he were one of his real children, he recognized that he needed to thank the wealthy man beyond all measure. One day the wealthy man went with the orphan to teach him about commercial business methods and they came to a big city and entered a very big store full of expensive merchandise, and the wealthy man said to the orphan, choose for yourself here merchandise for your wardrobe, and even if it is the most expensive clothing in the store I am prepared to pay for you. And the orphan chose for himself a very expensive item, and the wealthy man looked and saw that it was a red colored garment, and he said "It bothers me very much that you chose the color red, which I dislike; choose for yourself from the other colors whichever one you want and at whatever high price, whatever is good in your eyes, but only the color red don't pick for yourself." Now certainly, the orphan is required to nullify his own choice and fulfill with great delight the will of the wealthy benefactor who gave him many great benefits. And if he doesn't do so and rebels against the wealthy man's will and takes the red garment he is despicable and lacks gratitude, and certainly it would be correct for the rich man to get angry at the despicability of this orphan. The lesson to be learned from this parable applies to the people of Israel in relationship to Our Father in Heaven (Hashem). Hashem in His compassion has allowed us to eat various livestock, animals and birds, but has prohibited us from eating pork. He has allowed us to wear clothing from anything that we desire, only that there should not be Sha'atnez (linen and wool mixed together) within it. He has allowed us to plant all the crops in the world and to plant all the vineyards according to what is good in our eyes, only not Klai'im (mixtures of different kinds of plants together in one place). Now certainly we are required to fulfill with great delight the will of our Father, the Compassionate Father, and if we don't fulfill it then we are despicable, we are destructive children. But if we take to heart the idea, "that which is hateful to you, don't do to your friend" , go and consider, if you were to do so many good things for your friend just like the Holy One Blessed Be He does for you, and if he were to do something against your will, wouldn't you be angry and wouldn't you punish him appropriately? Similarly, you should think how you are required to do the will of your Creator who gives you life and health and intelligence and understanding and houses and fields and vineyards, and doesn't request from you anything except to be in awe of Him and to serve Him and to fulfill His will. It is simply apparent that you are required to fulfill His will with a strong desire and it is well understood how all the entire Torah is included in the Mitzvah of "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" .
The Torah Portion of Acharei has 80 verses, 2 positive commandments, and 26 negative commandments. The Torah Portion of Kedoshim has 54 verses, 13 positive commandments, and 38 negative commandments.Haftorah: "Halo K'vnai Kushiyim" (Amos 9).
Pirkei Avot, Chapter 3.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
The Torah Portion of Tazria - Metzora 5778 - Shabbat Mevorchim for Iyar
Note: Outside of Israel, since the preceding Shabbat was the Eighth day of Passover, the Torah Portion of Sh'mini coincides with Shabbat Mevorchim for Iyar rather than Tazria - Metzora.
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
It is written by Chazal (the Sages) that the Holy One Blessed Be He puts on Tefillin (Note -- this is not to be taken in a literal way but only in a figurative, symbolic way) and it is written within them "Who is like Your people Israel". Someone who speaks, G-d forbid, Lashon Hara (in English: "Evil Speech"), it is as if he were speaking against the Tefillin of the Holy One Blessed Be He, for within His Tefillin Hashem praises the people of Israel, and this person is speaking Lashon Hara against Israel. (based on Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
Rav Chaim of Volozhin says: why does the declaration of impurity and purification from plagues need to be done specifically by the Kohen who will say "You are pure" or "You are impure"? The reason is that generally the habitual speakers of Lashon Hara (evil speech) speak about the chosen ones of the people and about great Rabbis, and the Kohanim are the chosen ones.
Mussar (ethical teachings) for guarding one's tongue:
Rabban Gamliel said to his servant Tavi to bring him the most precious meat and he brought him an animal's tongue. Another time he told him to bring the most simple meat, and he brought him an animal's tongue again. Rabban Gamliel asked him, if a tongue is the most precious meat and also the most simple meat, isn't that a contradiction? He answered him, the tongue is able to be used for the good and also for the opposite, and that is why it is written that "Life and death are in the hand of the tongue".
The Tongue doesn't have bones
It's said that the tongue doesn't have within it bones, so that it is possible to turn it in any direction that one wants, and one needs to be concerned and guard it so that it will go in a good direction.
Parnassah (Livelihood)
Parnassah (a livelihood) in Hebrew has the same letters as Peh Resen (reining in the tongue). Someone who want a livelihood should rein in (control) his tongue.
"This shall be the Torah of the Metzora on the day of his purification" (Vayikra 14:2)
It is written in the Chovot HaLevavot (the Gate of Submission, chapter 7): Someone who speaks Lashon Hara (evil speech) about his fellowman, all of his Mitzvot (good deeds) go to his fellowman and he receives all of his fellowman's sins. The Chatam Sofer (on the Torah portion of Tetzaveh) writes that if he repents, they (his Mitzvot) return to him. And that is what is meant by "This shall be the Torah of the Metzora on the day of his purification" (Vayikra 14:2), that the Torah that he learned will return to him of the day of his purification, that is to say when he repents.
"This shall be the Torah of the Metzora on the day of his purification, he shall be brought to the Kohen" (Vayikra 14:2)
The Chafetz Chaim wrote books on the topic of Lashon Hara (evil speech), and there is a hint here: one who wants to do Teshuva (repent) for the sin of Lashon Hara, "he shall be brought to the Kohen", he should learn the books of Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen (i.e. the Chafetz Chaim), and he will be healed.
The Kli Yakar explains why the Metzora shaves the hair on particular parts of his body
The Kli Yakar explains that the Metzora shaves his beard, because he spoke negatively about others with his mouth. He shaves his eyebrows, because he had "narrow eyes", that is, he was stingy when looking at other people and saw them in a negative light. He shaves his head, because he had a haughty view of himself. The law is that he needs to shave all the hair on his entire body, but the Torah specifies these particular parts of the body.
It is written in the Holy Books that even though today plagues don't come on the body, they come on the soul.
There are people who think to themselves, what's the big deal if I spoke a few words about so-and-so? The Masters of Mussar (Ethics) epxlain, that also the Kohen only says two words "You're Pure" or "You're Impure", and that determines if he is pure or not.
The Torah Portion of Tazria has 67 verses, 5 positive commandments, and 5 negative commandments. The Torah Portion of Metzora has 90 verses, and 11 positive commandments.The Haftorah (in Israel) is "Machar Chodesh" (Shmuel Aleph 20)
This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevorchim for the month of Iyar (in Israel). The Molad is Yom Rishon at the hour 4:37 with 5 Chalakim. Rosh Chodesh is on Yom Rishon and Yom Shaini.
We read Pirkei Avot Chapter 2.
Shabbat Shalom.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach
L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
The Torah Portion of "Sh'mini"
(Isru Chag in Israel - Eruv Tavshilin; outside of Israel read a week later)
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
"And it was on the eighth day..." (Vayikra 9:1)
The eighth day was the day on which the Mishkan (the Tabernacle) was established (this was after seven days during which Moshe performed the service by himself, including assembling and dis-assembling the Tabernacle each day). On the eighth day Aharon, his sons, and Moshe performed the service. The service of Moshe on the eighth day of the inauguration of the Mishkan is written at the end of the Torah Portion of Pekudei. On that day they brought three goats for sin offerings: 1) The goat of Nachshon, 2) the goat of the people of Israel, 3) the goat of Rosh Chodesh. They only burned the goat of Rosh Chodesh, since that was not a one-time-only offering, but was a holy offering for future generations as well.
"...Come near to the sacrificial altar..." (Vayikra 9:7)
The Satan showed Aharon the likeness of a calf, in order to interfere with his performance of the Divine service, so Moshe said to him, "Come near to the sacrificial altar" (Vayikra 9:7), don't be afraid. (from the Da'at Z'kainim) From this we learn that when the Satan comes to prevent us from serving Hashem, we need to strengthen ourselves. (from Masters of Mussar, i.e. ethical teachings)
"And Moshe said to Aharon: Of this did Hashem speak, saying: 'I will be sanctified through those who are close to Me'." (Vayikra 10:3)
The death of Nadav and Avihu was by burning of the soul with the physical body remaining intact. Moshe said, that they were greater Tzadikim (more righteous) than himself and Aharon.
"...the sons of Aharon that were left..." (Vayikra 10:16)
The Sages say that one needs to make oneself like a "leftover", and that is why the verse says "the sons of Aharon that were left", that is to say, that they made themselves like "leftovers", lowly in their own eyes, and because of that they merited to survive. (from the Evnei Ezer)
"And Hashem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, TO SAY TO THEM: Speak to the children of Israel, saying, these are the living animals..." (Vayikra 11:1-2)
It is written in Trei Eser, "And your sons and daughters will prophesy", that in the future to come Hashem will speak with all of Israel. The Sages say that Moshe Rabeinu did not want to nurse from the Egyptian women because in the future he would speak with the Shechina, and that is what is emphasized in this verse (Vayikra 11:1) by the words "TO SAY TO THEM"; that in the future the Holy One Blessed Be He will speak with all of Israel, and therefore we need to be very careful in the matter of food and to eat only that which is Kosher, so that we will be worthy to have Hashem speak with us.
Mussar (Ethical Teachings) from the Chafetz Chaim
The Chafetz Chaim says: just as we are careful not to put into our mouths forbidden foods, so one also needs to be careful about what he puts out of his mouth, that is to say, forbidden words.
The Differences between the Mishkan and the First Temple, in comparison to the Second Temple
There were five things missing in the Second Temple: The Aron (Ark), the container of Mannah, the staff of Aharon, the Holy Name which was part of the Urim and Tumim, and the annointing oil. Also, the fire in the Second Temple was not like the fire in the Mishkan and the First Temple. In the Mishkan and the First Temple, the fire came down from Heaven and appeared like a lion, and in the Second Temple the fire didn't come down from Heaven and it looked like a dog. (based on Yoma 21a)
PIRKEI AVOT (Ethics of the Fathers)
We say Pirkei Avot during the summer season, for a total of four cycles. A siman (sign) of when when we usually do that is given by means of Roshei Teivot (initial letters) based on the Hebrew word "Nefesh". The letters which spell the Hebrew word "Nefesh" (in English: "soul") are "Nun", "Pey", and "Shin". "Nun" stands for "Naso", "Pey" stands for "Pinchas", and "Shin" stands for "Shoftim". Usually, the times when we start to say Pirkei Avot -- besides the first time -- are when we read the Torah Portions of Naso, Pinchas, and Shoftim. Also, there is another reason why the Hebrew word "Nefesh" ("soul") is connected to Pirkei Avot -- because Pirkei Avot contains teachings which help us to repair the defects of the soul.
"Moshe received the Torah from Sinai..." (Pirkei Avot 1:1)
Why is it written "Moshe received the Torah from Sinai"? Isn't all of the Torah from Sinai? The reason is that within Pirkei Avot, what is discussed are matters of ethics and proper conduct, and also amongst the other nations of the world there have been people who have published books about proper conduct and ethics. But those people made up their ethical values on their own, and the ethical values of Israel were given at Sinai. (from Rav Ovadia M'Bartenura)
"...the Men of the Great Assembly..." (Pirkei Avot 1:1)
There were 120 Men of the Great Assembly, and there are those who say 85. Amongst them were the prophets Chagai, Zacharia, and Malachi. The last one of them was Shimon HaTzaddik. They returned the crown of the Torah to its place, after the Babylonian exile of 70 years.
"He used to say..." (throughout Pirkei Avot)
It is written in Pirkei Avot a number of times, "he used to say". What does this expression mean? On a simple level this means that the Sage being quoted was accustomed to say those words on a regular basis. And there are those who explain that he himself was an elevated person who lived in accord with the principle that he stated, and not just that he used to say it to other people.
The Days of Sefirat HaOmer (the counting of the Omer)
It is written by the Ramban (23:36) that the days of the counting of the Omer (the 49 days counted from the second day of Pesach until the holiday of Shavuot arrives on the 50th day) are like Chol HaMoed -- the intermediate days of a festival.
The Torah Portion of Sh'mini has 91 verses, 6 positive commandments, and 11 negative commandments.The Haftorah is "V'yosef Od David" (Sh'muel Bait 6)
The 17 Mitzvot in the Torah Portion of Sh'mini are as follows:
1. The negative commandment, that the Kohanim should not enter the Mikdash with long hair (Vayikra 10:6)
2. The negative commandment, that the Kohanim should not enter the Mikdash with torn clothes (Vayikra 10:6)
3. The negative commandment, that the Kohanim should not leave the Mikdash during the service (Vayikra 10:7)
4. The negative commandment, that the Kohanim should not enter the Mikdash when under the influence of wine (Vayikra 10:8)
5. The positive commandment, to check the signs of animals to determine their Kashrut status (Vayikra 11:2)
6. The negative commandment, to not eat non-kosher animals (Vayikra 11:4)
7. The positive commandment, to check the signs of fish to determine their Kashrut status (Vayikra 11:9)
8. The negative commandment, to not eat non-kosher fish (Vayikra 11:11)
9. The negative commandment, to not eat non-kosher birds (Vayikra 11:13)
10. The positive commandment, to check the signs of locusts to determine their Kashrut status (Vayikra 11:21)
11. The positive commandment, to observe the laws of impurity caused by the eight sh'ratzim (insects) (Vayikra 11:29)
12. The positive commandment, to observe the laws of impurity caused by liquid and solid foods (Vayikra 11:34)
13. The positive commandment, to observe the laws of impurity caused by an animal carcass (Vayikra 11:39)
14. The negative commandment, to not eat non-kosher creatures that crawl on land (Vayikra 11:41)
15. The negative commandment, to not eat worms and insects that infest fruits and vegetables (Vayikra 11:41)
16. The negative commandment, to not eat creatures that live in water other than kosher fish (Vayikra 11:43)
17. The negative commandment, to not eat maggots that develop in rotting food material (Vayikra 11:44)
We begin to say Pirkei Avot, Chapter One
Shabbat Shalom.
May you all have a light-filled and happy Shabbat.
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach
L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
Pesach: The Passover Holiday
Excerpted and Translated from the the Teachings of Rabbi Gershon Steinberg ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben Chaim ztz"l
L'ilui Neshamat R' Yochanan Yitzchak Ben Nachum z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Yaakov Ben Matisyahu HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Michael Ben Nachman z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Zehava Bat Shlomo z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Mushka Bat Yaakov HaLevi z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Esther Bat Natan z"l
L'ilui Neshamat Shlomo Ben Chaim z"l
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Malka Bat Rivkah Zlata
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Deena Bat Tzion Bat Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaya Basha Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Etan Naphtali Ben Zehava
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rivkah Goldah Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Shimon Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Pearl Bat Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Ahuva Nechama Bat Simcha Pearl
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Moshe Shlomo Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Chaim Sh'muel Ben Rivkah Goldah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Avital Bat Rut
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Bracha Devorah
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Michael Itzhak Nesshael Ben Avital
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Naomi Chana Bat Chaya Basha
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Refael Ben Masha Etel
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Fruma Freidel Bat Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Rav Daniel Reuven Ben Esther
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Simcha Alice Allegra Bat Miriam
L'refuat Hanefesh V'lrefuat Haguf L'Nachum Natan Ben Chana and
L'refuat Hanefesh V'l'refuat Haguf L'Kol Am Yisrael V'l'geulah Hashleima Bekarov
The Influence of the Seder Night
It is told in the Gemara about Rabbi Yehuda bar Ila'i, that he would have a headache from drinking the four cups of wine on the night of the Seder, from Passover until Shavuot; and this was something to wonder at, that every time he would have a headache, at exactly the same season from Passover until Shavuot. They explained this from a Mussar (ethical) point of view, that the meaning of this is that the influence of the night of the Seder needs to extend until Shavuout because that is its end-point and purpose, for the main reason that the children of Israel went out from Egypt was so that afterwards they would receive the Torah (from Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka).
The Four Questions (from the Passover Haggadah)
In asking "Mah Nishtana" (the four questions), the main point of the son's question is -- why we do acts which are diametrically opposed to one another? We eat Matzah, which is a reminder of slavery (as the Ibn Ezra wrote that one time he was held captive in the land of India, and they gave him to eat Matzah, and said to him that Matzah is satisfying even if one eats only a little bit), and also Maror (bitter herbs) is also a symbol of slavery. On the other hand, we perform the act of dipping some foods, and also we recline while eating, and these are symbolic of freedom. And upon this the father answers, "We were slaves, etc.", for on this very night we were also slaves and also freed. Until midnight we were still slaves, and from midnight and onwards we were free people, and therefore on the night of the Seder we do things which are diametrically opposed like that.
"How many levels of goodness TO the Omnipresent are upon us." (from the Passover Haggadah)
It should have been written, "FROM the Omnipresent are upon us", and not "TO the Omnipresent", as if the intention was that He received a benefit. And the explanation is, that everything that the Holy One Blessed Be He does for the people of Israel, He is also doing it for Himself, and if there is something which is good for the children of Israel, it is also good for Him. This is similar to what we find by Rabbi Yishmael who entered within (the Sanctuary of the Temple) and the Holy One Blessed Be He requested "Bless me", and Rabbi Yishmael said to Him, "May Your Mercy overcome Your anger at us". Wasn't that a blessing to Israel and not to the Holy One Blessed Be He? However, the explanation is that a blessing to Israel is in its very essence a blessing to the Holy One Blessed Be He.
"Matzot shall be eaten in a holy place" (Vayikra 6:9)
It is written in the Torah Portion of Tzav, "Matzot shall be eaten in a holy place" (Vayikra 6:9) This is a hint to the Matzot that are eaten on the night of Passover, that they should be in a holy place. That is to say, that one should sanctify his mouth, for that is the place of eating the Matzot. This is also hinted at by the word "Pharoah", which in Hebrew has the same letters as Peh-Ra (an evil mouth), and the rectification for this is Pesach, which in Hebrew is similar to the Hebrew words Peh-Sach (a mouth which speaks). One should speak only words which are good and holy, for everyone who increases speaking about them (i.e., the miracles of Passover) is praiseworthy. And the opposite is also the case; someone who doesn't speak good words, G-d forbid, is not praiseworthy.
Food of Healing and Food of Faith
In the Holy Zohar, Matzah is called a "Food of Healing". The explanation is that this food is a healing for the soul and for the body. It is also called a "Food of Faith", because it brings one to faith.
Why are we stringent on Pesach about the slightest bit of Chametz?
Why are we stringent on Pesach about the slightest bit (of Chametz)? To hint that if the congregation of Israel had remained in Egypt the slightest bit more time, they would have entered the 50th gate of impurity.
Everyone who is careful about avoiding the slightest bit of Chametz on Pesach is promised that he won't sin all year. (Ba'er Heitev Siman 447)
"In the beginning our forefathers were idol worshipers" (from the Passover Haggadah)
Why does the Haggadah begin with a disgrace and end with praise? To show us that even if a person is found at the lowest level, G-d forbid, he is still able to elevate himself to high levels.
"For His kindness overcame us" (from the Hallel in the Passover Haggadah)
At times a person doesn't know that what that happens to him is really a kindness for him, but rather he just thinks that it is detrimental for him. And that is the meaning of saying that His kindness "overcame" us, that is to say, the person receives the kindnesses of the Holy One Blessed Be He with self-restraint and effort, even though he doesn't want to. And also, it is necessary to interpret what we mean when we say in the first blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, that Hashem is "a giver of good kindnesses" -- is there such a thing as kindnesses which are not good? No, it is just that there are kindnesses that appear to a person as if they are not kindnesses, and for that reason we request that it should also be recognizable by us that the kindnesses are good.
May we merit to eat from the Zevachim and the Pesachim (the Passover offerings) speedily in our days.
Two Torah scrolls are taken out:1) Moshchu V'kchu (from the Torah Portion of "Bo")2) for the Maftir, "Uv'chodesh Harishon (from the Torah Portion of "Pinchas")The Haftorah is "B'ait Hahi" (Yehoshua 5)
Chag Sameach.
May you have a light-filled, happy and Kosher Shabbat and Yom Tov.
In Nissan we were redeemed, and in Nissan we are to be redeemed in the future. (Rosh Hashanah 11a)
L'ilui Neshamat HaGaon HaTzaddik R' Gershon Avigdor Ben R' Chaim ztz"l, Nilkach L'Bait Olamo Yud Gimmel Tishrei 5772
